Technology is constantly changing so businesses must be quick to adopt the latest trends. One trend that has gained popularity over the past few years is the use of VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure solutions). VDI refers to the use of virtual machines that provide and manage virtual desktops. Virtual desktops are computer programs that users can access from any device and operating system. Companies of all sizes and industries can benefit from utilizing VDI solutions. Shift workers, freelancers, and temps can also benefit from using VDI systems. Also, businesses that have remote or hybrid working models can greatly benefit from using VDI solutions.
Benefits of Using VDI Solutions
This article will go over the top ten benefits that businesses and individuals can gain from using VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) solutions.
1. Increased Flexibility
One of the main benefits of using VDI solutions is the increased flexibility they offer. Many VDI solutions can be accessed on any device and operating system. For example, a user can access their virtual desktop on both their Chromebook and iPhone. For this reason, companies should look for a VDI provider that is device-agnostic and cross-device compatible. The increased flexibility also allows for companies to have BYOD (bring-your-own-device) policies. Companies can pair their virtual desktop environments with other types of technology like VPNs to increase access to VDI networks from remote locations. In addition to desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, VDI solutions can also be accessed on other types of devices like thin clients and Raspberry Pi systems.
2. Increased Accessibility
Another significant benefit of using VDI solutions is that they offer increased accessibility. Users can access their virtual desktops from anywhere in the world. This increased accessibility makes VDI solutions helpful for people working from home that live in remote areas. Users can also access software solutions through their virtual desktops that they may have not had access to in the past.
The increased accessibility is also useful for the education industry, allowing students living in remote areas to take online classes. Also, the healthcare industry can benefit from this increased accessibility to perform telemedicine to patients living in remote areas.
3. Improved User Experience
VDI solutions can also provide organizations and individuals with improved user experiences. VDI solutions offer improved user experiences by making it easy for users to access their files and information from any device and location. Users can have fast loading times even when working on an older device.
4. Improved Security Measures
Another benefit of using VDI solutions is the improved security measures they offer. Users should look for VDI solutions that include security measures such as multi-factor authentication, single sign-on measures, military-grade encryption, frequent backups, passwordless authentication, and compliance with PCI and HIPAA regulations.
Many VDI solutions also offer DDoS protection, so sensitive company information is safe from cyberattacks and malware. Also, data is more secure on a virtual desktop since it is stored on a cloud-based server instead of the device itself. If a user does lose their device, the manager can remove the device’s access to the virtual desktop environment.
5. Improved Disaster Recovery
In addition to improved security measures, many VDI solutions include disaster recovery plans. In disaster recovery plans, users can quickly and easily recover data that may have been lost in the event of a power outage or natural disaster. Since the data is stored on centralized cloud servers, it is easier to recover lost data than it would on traditional desktop environments.
6. Centralized Troubleshooting
Some VDI solutions have remote support desks. These remote support desks can help organizations centralize their troubleshooting processes. If a user is having technical difficulties, they can contact the VDI provider’s support desk to help them resolve the issue. Some VDI support desks will use a process known as “session shadowing,” where the support agent takes control of the user’s device and shows them how to fix the problem. By having centralized troubleshooting measures, companies can reduce the need to have an extensive IT team in the office. Centralized troubleshooting measures are also helpful for companies that have permanently adopted remote work setups. This process also makes it easy for companies to onboard new employees.
7. Helps Save on Costs
VDI solutions can help companies save on costs. Since virtual desktop environments allow users to bring their own devices, this eliminates the need for companies to supply devices to new employees. Users can extend the lifespan of devices that would normally be seen as old our outdated. Also, since some VDI providers include remote support desks, the company does not have to cover the costs typically associated with efficient IT support. In addition to providing clients with remote desktop support, VDI systems minimize the costs associated with managing endpoints. Managers and administrators can quickly and easily
VDI systems can also help companies save on costs by allowing managers to buy software licenses and distribute them to the appropriate employees. Furthermore, many VDI providers have pay-only-for-what-you-use models so organizations do not have to pay for features they do not use.
8. Increased Productivity
Employees can increase their productivity when they use VDI solutions. Since users can access their virtual desktops from any device and location, it makes it easier for employees to check emails or project progress while on the go. Also, since end-user management and maintenance is handled by the provider, IT staff can work on other projects and tasks.
VDI solutions’ flexibility makes it easier for colleagues working in different cities, states, or countries to work on projects together. Managers can use centralized dashboards to monitor employee productivity. These dashboards can display metrics such as active devices, websites visited, applications used, mouse clicks, and keystrokes.
9. Saves Energy
Another significant benefit of using VDI solutions is that they can help save energy. Virtual desktops use less energy than traditional desktop environments. Since VDI solutions use less energy, they are seen as an environmentally-friendly alternative to regular computers. Also, companies that are working in offices can reduce their electricity bills by using VDI solutions.
10. Increased Scalability
Another benefit of using VDI solutions is that they offer increased scalability. Scalability refers to the ability of a computing program to increase or reduce its capacity. Managers can scale VDI solutions up or down according to the organization’s needs. For example, a company that hires new employees seasonally can scale the system up and then scale the system back down when the employees leave the company. Companies that hire the services of freelancers can also benefit from scalability. Freelancers can be given access to certain software systems the company uses. Also, the education industry can benefit from scalability measures. Teachers and professors can scale their virtual desktop environments up or down based on their class sizes.
Potential Downsides of Using VDI Solutions
While there are many benefits to utilizing VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) solutions, there are some potential downsides that should be kept in mind. One of the potential downsides of using VDI solutions is that some organizations may find it too expensive. Managers may worry that the deployment costs are too high. However, many VDI providers offer affordable pricing packages, allow users to opt out of features they do not use and can help save money in the long run.
Another reason why companies may hesitate to use VDI solutions is that it requires skilled people to manage the infrastructure. However, the company does not need to have these technicians on hand since the VDI provider has people that are trained to efficiently manage the infrastructure. Overall, any potential downsides of using a VDI solution are easily outweighed by all of the benefits it has to offer.
Wrapping It Up
As our world becomes more technologically advanced, more businesses and individuals are turning to virtual desktop infrastructures. Organizations can greatly benefit from using VDI solutions, such as increasing productivity and flexibility and saving on costs. VDI solutions also make it easy for remote workers to efficiently complete projects and tasks from any device and location.
If companies want to take benefits of VDI providers, they must first find one that works best for them. Managers can read online reviews and testimonials to find a VDI provider that has successfully served clients like them in the past. Many VDI providers offer online demos so users can try them out before committing.
